Elder Soares Calls for Compassion in Religious Freedom Advocacy

In his second speech in three days before global faith leaders in Washington, D.C., Elder Ulisses Soares of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles stressed the importance of compassion in religious freedom advocacy.

Compassion, the Apostle in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints said, takes root in the soil of a regard for the dignity and rights of every individual.

“Without compassion, we are merely strangers and foreigners to each other. With compassion, we see each other with new eyes, as brothers and sisters,” Elder Soares said during a lunch on the final day of the 2025 International Religious Freedom (IRF) Summit at the Washington Hilton on Wednesday, February 5, 2025. “Compassion goes beyond tolerance — it calls us to understand and engage with those who are different. It should be the driving force behind our shared efforts for conscience and religious freedom. Compassion must not just be an ideal, but a practice we nurture through daily actions, guiding our efforts for greater religious freedom worldwide.”

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Elder Soares has been in the nation’s capital since Monday building bridges of understanding with faith leaders from many nations. More than 90 organizations representing more than 30 faith traditions participated in the summit to discuss ways to advance international religious freedom.

According to IRF, nearly 80% of people around the world live in countries with high levels of restrictions on religion. Elder Soares also highlighted the troubling trend of increasing religious persecution worldwide, urging those suffering to maintain hope and faith. He shared the inspiring story of Corrie Ten Boom, who found strength and resilience through her faith during intense persecution in a Nazi concentration camp. This context underscores the critical need for compassion and advocacy in promoting religious freedom.

“I don’t want to downplay the serious struggles people face, especially the violence and suffering many may be enduring,” Elder Soares said. “However, history doesn’t have to repeat itself. Whether we let our violent past shape our future is up to us.”

Elder Soares said one reason religious freedom is essential is that “religion itself is important.” The concept of compassion is woven into the fabric of good faith.

“Lasting religious freedom is rooted in religious principles that foster moral individuals, encourage peace, and promote service to vulnerable communities,” he said. “Churches and congregations of all kinds bring communities together. They provide a setting for people to serve those who they would not normally serve, and to talk with people they would not normally talk with.”

Governments should support religious freedom, the Apostle said, because doing so will “strengthen their nations as a whole.”

“The fight for religious freedom is much more than protecting the right to worship,” he said. “It is about preserving the dignity, compassion, and respect that all people deserve in this world. While challenges to religious freedom are complex, it is inspiring to see so many working so persistently to find sustainable solutions. Thank you for your commitment to this noble cause. May we all strive, across faiths and borders, to create a more compassionate world for everyone, everywhere.”

On the opening day of the summit, Elder Soares spoke about the importance of peace. He also answered questions later that night from Baptist Pastor Bob Roberts Jr.

Elder Soares Calls for Compassion in Religious Freedom Advocacy

The Apostle addresses faith leaders for the second time in three days at the International Religious Freedom Summit

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